Winner of the 2016 B&N Discover Great New Writers Award for Fiction In The Lightkeepers we
follow Miranda a nature photographer who travels to the Farallon Islands an exotic and
dangerous archipelago off the coast of California for a one-year residency capturing the
landscape. Her only companions are the scientists studying there odd and quirky refugees from
the mainland living in rustic conditions they document the fish populations around the island
the bold trio of sharks called the Sisters that hunt the surrounding waters and the
overwhelming bird population who at times create the need to wear hard hats as protection
from their attacks. Shortly after her arrival Miranda is assaulted by one of the inhabitants
of the islands. A few days later her assailant is found dead perhaps the result of an
accident. As the novel unfolds Miranda gives witness to the natural wonders of this special
place as she grapples with what has happened to her and deepens her connection (and her
suspicions) to her companions while falling under the thrall of the legends of the place
nicknamed the Islands of the Dead. And when more violence occurs each member of this strange
community falls under suspicion.
